Electrode member and touch panel including the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a substrate, and an electrode part formed in a mesh shape on the substrate. The electrode part includes a resin layer comprising first and second sub-patterns, and a transparent electrode on the first sub-pattern. A ratio of a width of the first sub-pattern to a width of the second sub-pattern is in a range of 1:0.01 to 1:0.5.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/095,490, filed Dec. 3, 2013, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§ 119 of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2012-0138871, filed Dec. 3,2012; and 10-2013-0083148, filed Jul. 15, 2013, which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The embodiment relates to an electrode member and a touch panelincluding the same.

Recently, a touch panel, which performs an input function through thetouch of an image displayed on a display device by an input device suchas a stylus pen or a finger, has been applied to various electronicappliances

The touch panel may be mainly classified into a resistive touch paneland a capacitive touch panel. In the resistive touch panel, glass isshorted with an electrode due to the pressure of the input device sothat a touch point is detected. In the capacitive touch panel, thevariation in capacitance between electrodes is detected when a finger ofthe user is touched on the capacitive touch panel, so that the touchpoint is detected.

In the resistive type touch panel, the repeated use thereof may degradethe performance thereof, and cause scratches. Accordingly, the intereston the capacitive type touch panel representing superior endurance andhaving a long lifespan is increased.

Meanwhile, although indium tin oxide (ITO) has been most extensivelyused for an electrode of the touch panel, ITO has a limitation in therealization of low-resistance required for a large-area touch panel.Therefore, recently, a transparent electrode based on a mesh-shape metalthin film has been spotlighted.

Accordingly, studies and research has been conducted on materials to besubstituted for ITO, and, recently, various materials such as carbonnanotube (CNT), Ag nanowire, and graphene have been developed.

A conventional metal mesh scheme is to form a mesh-shape metal patternthrough a printing scheme using metal ink. The metal mesh scheme isdisclosed in Korean Unexamined Publication No. 10-2012-0018059.

However, in the case of the metal mesh formed through the conventionalprinting scheme, the realization of a fine pattern is difficult. Inother words, according to the printing scheme, the minimum line widthmay be limited in the range of about 3 μm to about 5 μm. Thepermeability of the metal mesh fabricated in the above scheme isdegraded, and the metal lines are viewed, so that a problem occurs invisibility.

Meanwhile, in the conventional touch panel, a transparent electrodepattern has been formed through a photoresist scheme. In other words,after depositing a transparent electrode material and a metal materialon a substrate, exposure, development, and etching processes areperformed to form the wire electrode pattern and the sensing electrodepattern.

However, when the wire electrode pattern and the sensing electrodepattern are formed in the above scheme, the number of processes isincreased, and the processes are complex, so that the process efficiencymay be reduced.

In order to solve the above problem, recently, the transparent electrodeusing the metal thin film mesh has been spotlighted. However, even ifthe transparent electrode pattern is formed by using the metal thin filmmesh, since the photoresist scheme must be used in order to form thewire electrode pattern, the efficiency in the fabricating process may belowered.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The embodiment provides an electrode member representing improvedreliability and a touch panel including the same.

According to the embodiment, there is provided a touch panel. The touchpanel includes a substrate, and an electrode part formed in a mesh shapeon the substrate. The electrode part includes a resin layer comprisingfirst and second sub-patterns, and a transparent electrode on the firstsub-pattern. The ratio of a width of the first sub-pattern to a width ofthe second sub-pattern is in a range of 1:0.01 to 1:0.5.

As described above, according to the touch panel and the method offabricating the same, in order to realize the transparent electrodehaving the line width of about 500 nm to about 3 μm, the ratio of thefirst sub-pattern, in which the transparent electrode material isformed, to the second sub-pattern formed between the first sub-patternsin width and height is limited to a predetermined ratio.

In other words, when realizing the transparent electrode having the fineline width of about 3μm or less by limiting the ratio of the firstsub-pattern to the second sub-pattern in width and height into thepredetermined range, the transparent electrode material remains only inthe first sub-pattern, and the transparent electrode material can becompletely removed from the upper portion of the second sub-pattern.

Therefore, according to the touch panel according to the embodiment, thetransparent electrode having the line width of 3 μm or less can berealized, so that the transmittance can be improved, and the visibilitycan be improved. In addition, according to the method of fabricating thetouch panel of the embodiment, the touch panel having the above effectscan be fabricated.

In addition, in the electrode member according to the embodiment, aplurality of patterns are formed between the sensing electrode patternand the wire electrode pattern while representing the width narrowerthan the width of the sensing electrode pattern or the wire electrodepattern. Therefore, after depositing the same electrode material on thesensing electrode pattern and the wire electrode pattern, an etchingprocess is performed at a time, thereby simplifying the processes offorming the wire electrode and the sensing electrode.

According to the related art, after sequentially depositing the sensingelectrode material and the wire electrode material on the substrate, thephotoresist process, in detail, exposure, development, and etchingprocesses are formed to form the wire electrode pattern area and thesensing electrode pattern area, respectively. Therefore, as the numberof processes is increased, the process efficiency may be lowered.

Therefore, in the electrode member according to the embodiment, afterforming the first to fourth patterns on the substrate through theimprinting process, the same electrode material is deposited on thefirst and third patterns and an etching process is performed withrespect to the resultant structure at a time, so that the sensingelectrode pattern and the wire electrode pattern can be formed.

Accordingly, in the electrode member according to the embodiment, anano-pattern is formed even in a part in which the wire electrode isformed, thereby fabricating the sensing electrode pattern and the wireelectrode pattern including the same electrode material.

In addition, the fabricating process efficiency of the touch panelhaving the electrode member applied thereto can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the touch panel according tothe embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of fabricating a touch panelaccording to the embodiment.

FIGS. 5 to 12 are sectional views showing the method of fabricating thetouch panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view schematically showing an electrode memberaccording to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of a part A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the sensing electrode pattern andthe wire electrode pattern of the touch pattern according to theembodiment.

FIGS. 17 to 24 are sectional views showing a method of fabricating theelectrode member according to the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a touch panel to which theelectrode member according to the embodiment is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that, whena layer (or film), a region, a pattern, or a structure is referred to asbeing “on” or “under” another substrate, another layer (or film),another region, another pad, or another pattern, it can be “directly” or“indirectly” over the other substrate, layer (or film), region, pad, orpattern, or one or more intervening layers may also be present. Such aposition of the layer has been described with reference to the drawings.

The thickness and size of each layer (or film), each region, eachpattern, or each structure shown in the drawings may be exaggerated,omitted or schematically drawn for the purpose of convenience orclarity. In addition, the size of the layer (or film), the region, thepattern, or the structure does not utterly reflect an actual size.

Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in detail with referenceto accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, a touch panel according to the embodiment will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a plan view schematicallyshowing the touch panel according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is asectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is asectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the touch panel according to the embodimentincludes a substrate 100 defined therein with an active area AA, inwhich the position of an input device (e.g., a finger) is sensed, and anunactive area UA provided around the active area AA.

In this case, an electrode part 210 may be formed in the active area AAto sense the input device. In addition, a wire 500 may be formed in theunactive area UA to electrically connect the electrode part 210. Inaddition, a wire connection part 550 may be provided between the wire500 and the electrode part 210. Further, an external circuit connectedwith the wire 500 may be located in the unactive area UA. The unactivearea UA may be provided therein with an outer dummy layer. A logo may beformed in the outer dummy layer.

If the input device such as the finger is touched on the above touchpanel, the variation of a capacitance occurs in the touched part of theinput device on the touch panel. The part of the touch panel, in whichthe variation of the capacitance occurs, may be detected a touch point.

Hereinafter, the above touch panel will be described in more detail.

The substrate 100 may include various materials to support the electrodepart 210, the wire 500, and the circuit substrate that are formed on thesubstrate 100. For example, the substrate 100 may include a glasssubstrate or a plastic substrate.

The outer dummy layer is formed in the unactive area UA of the substrate100. The outer dummy layer may be coated with a material having apredetermined color so that the wire 500 and the printed circuit patternto connect the wire 500 with the external circuit are not viewed at theoutside. The outer dummy layer may have a color appropriate to arequired outer appearance. For example, the outer dummy layer mayinclude black pigments to represent a black color. A required logo maybe formed in the outer dummy layer through various schemes. The outerdummy layer may be formed through a deposition scheme, a printingscheme, and a wet coating scheme.

The electrode part 210 may be formed on the substrate 100. Thetransparent electrode 210 may sense the touch of the input device suchas a finger.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electrode part 210 includes a first electrode212 and a second electrode 214.

The first electrode 212 includes a plurality of first sensor parts 212 ato sense the touch of the input device such as the finger and a firstconnection electrode part 212 b to connect the first sensor parts 212 awith each other. The first connection electrode part 212 b connects thefirst sensor parts 212 a with each other in a first direction (X axisdirection of drawings), so that the first electrode 212 may extend inthe first direction.

Similarly, the second electrode 214 includes a plurality of secondsensor parts 214 a to sense the touch of the input device such as afinger and a second connection electrode part 214 b to connect thesecond sensor parts 214 a with each other. The second connectionelectrode part 214 b connects the second sensor parts 214 a with eachother in a second direction (Y axis direction of drawings) crossing thefirst direction, so that the second electrode 214 may extend in thesecond direction.

An insulating layer 250 may be interposed between the first connectionelectrode part 212 b and the second connection electrode part 214 b toinhibit the first connection electrode part 212 b from being shortedwith respect to the second connection electrode part 214 b. Theinsulating layer 250 may include a transparent insulating material toinsulate the first electrode 212 from the second electrode 214.

Meanwhile, the electrode part 210 is provided in the shape of a mesh. Indetail, the electrode part 210 includes a mesh opening part OA and amesh line part LA. In this case, the line width of the mesh line part LAmay be about 3 μm or less. Preferably, when the line width of the meshline part LA is 3 μm or less, the pattern of the electrode part 210 maynot be viewed. Preferably, the line width of the mesh line part LA maybe in the range of 500 nm to 3 μm.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the mesh opening part OA may have arectangular shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In otherwords, the mesh opening part OA may have various shapes such as adiamond shape, a polygonal shape such as a pentagonal shape or ahexagonal shape, and a circular shape.

The electrode part 210 is provided in the mesh shape, so that thepattern of the electrode part 210 is not viewed when viewed on theactive area AA. In other words, even if the electrode part 210 is formedof metal, the pattern of the electrode part 210 may be not viewed. Inaddition, even if the electrode part 210 is applied to a large-sizetouch panel, the resistance of the touch panel may be reduced. Inaddition, when the electrode part 210 is formed through a printingprocess, the printing quality is improved, so that the high-qualitytouch panel can be ensured.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrode part 210 includes a resinlayer 300 and an electrode material 215.

The resin layer 300 is provided therein with a first sub-pattern 310 anda second sub-pattern 320. The first and second sub-patterns 310 and 320directly make contact with the resin layer 300. The first sub-pattern310 is provided in the mesh line part LA. Accordingly, the firstsub-pattern 310 is provided in the mesh shape. In addition, the secondsub-pattern 320 is provided in the mesh opening part OA. Therefore, thesecond sub-pattern 320 may be provided between first sub-patterns 310.

The first sub-pattern 310 may have a width and a height different from awidth and a height of the second sub-pattern 320, respectively. Thewidth and the height of the first-sub pattern 310 may be formed in theunit of micro-meter gm or a nano-meter nm. In addition, the width andthe height of the second sub-pattern 320 may be formed in the unit ofnano-meter nm. For example, the width of the first sub-pattern 310 maybe in the range of 500 nm to 3 μm, and the width of the secondsub-pattern 320 may be in the range of 100 nm to 500 nm.

The first sub-pattern 310 may be formed at a predetermined ratio withrespect to the second sub-pattern 320, respectively, in width andheight.

In detail, the ratio of the width of the first sub-pattern 310 to thewidth of the second sub-pattern 320 may be in the range of about 1:0.01to about 1:0.5.

In addition, the ratio of the width of the first sub-pattern 310 to theheight of the first sub-pattern 310 may be in the range of about 1:0.1to about 1:1. Further, the ratio of the width of the first sub-pattern310 to the width of the first sub-pattern 310 may be in the range ofabout 0.1:1 to about 1:1. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, onesectional surface of the first sub-pattern 310 may have a rectangularshape or a square shape.

In addition, the ratio of the height of the first sub-pattern 310 to theheight of the second sub-pattern 320 may be in the range of about 1:0.1to about 1:0.9.

The above ratio of the first sub-pattern 310 to the second sub-pattern320 in width and height is set by taking into consideration the optimalratio to form a transparent electrode having a fine line width when thetransparent electrode is formed on the first sub-pattern 310. In otherwords, the ratio of the first sub-pattern 310 to the second sub-pattern320 in width and height is set in the above numeric range, so that thetransparent electrode may be formed in the mesh shape having the fineline width of about 3 μm or less.

In other words, the transparent electrode is formed on the resin layer300, in detail, formed on the top surface of the first sub-pattern 310of the resin layer 300. In this case, an electrode material 215 isformed in the resin layer 300 and subject to an etching process.

In this case, in order to form an electrode having a fine line width of3 μm or less, the ratio of the first sub-pattern 310 to the secondsub-pattern 320 in width and height may be an important parameter. Inother words, if the ratio of the first sub-pattern 310 to the secondsub-pattern 320 in width and height is beyond the set ratio range, theelectrode material 215 formed on the second sub-pattern 320 may be notcompletely etched, or the electrode material 215 formed on the firstsub-pattern 310 may be etched, so that the line width of about 3 μm orless may not be realized.

Therefore, according to the touch panel of the embodiment, the ratio ofthe first sub-pattern 310 to the second sub-pattern 320 formed in theresin layer 300 in width and height is limited into a predeterminedrange, so that the fine line width of about 500 nm to about 3 μm or lessmay be formed.

The first sub-pattern 310 and the second sub-pattern 320 may have anintaglio shape or an embossed shape. In detail, when the resin layer 300is formed in the shape of a flat surface, the first sub-pattern 310 mayhave an embossed shape protruding upward from the resin layer 300, ormay have an intaglio shape recessed downward from the resin layer 300.

The electrode material 215 may include a printable metal paste material.In detail, the electrode material 215 may include at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni),tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and the alloy thereof.Accordingly, a mesh having a fine line width is formed of a metal paste,so that indium tin oxide (ITO) may be substituted with the abovematerial. Accordingly, the electrode material 215 is advantageous interms of a price. The electrode material 215 may be formed through asimple deposition process or a simple printing process.

Hereinafter, a method of fabricating the touch panel according to theembodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 12. The methodof fabricating the touch panel will be described by making reference tothe above description of the touch panel. In other words, thedescription of the method of fabricating the touch panel is incorporatedin the above description of the touch panel.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of fabricating a touch panelaccording to the embodiment. FIGS. 5 to 12 are sectional views showingthe method of fabricating the touch panel according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, according to the method of fabricating the touchpanel of the embodiment includes a step (ST10) of preparing thesubstrate 100, a step (ST20) of forming a pattern, a step (ST30) offorming the electrode material 215, and a step (ST40) of performing anetching process.

In the step (ST10) of preparing the substrate 100, a glass substrate ora plastic substrate is prepared. The substrate 100 may be divided intothe active area AA and an unactive area UA. The unactive area UA may becoated with a material representing, for example, a black color, so thata logo can be formed on the unactive area UA.

Subsequently, in the step (ST20) of forming the pattern, after formingthe resin layer 300 on the substrate 100, the first and secondsub-patterns 310 and 320 are formed on the resin layer 300.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10, the first and second sub-patterns 310and 320 may be formed by using embossed and intaglio molds 41 and 42. Indetail, after forming the resin layer 300 on the substrate 100, theresin layer 300 is imprinted by using the embossed mold 41 or theintaglio mold 42, so that the first and second sub-patterns 310 and 320may be formed.

In other words, when the first sub-pattern 310 is formed in the intaglioshape, the first sub-pattern 310 having the intaglio shape is formed onthe resin layer 300 by using the embossed mold 41 corresponding to theintaglio shape. When the first sub-pattern 310 is formed in the embossedshape, the first sub-pattern 310 having the embossed shape may be formedon the resin layer 300 by using the intaglio mold 42 corresponding tothe embossed shape. In this case, the resin layer 300 may include UVresin or thermosetting resin.

In this case, the shapes of the first sub-pattern 310 and the secondsub-pattern 320, and the ratio of the first sub-pattern 310 to thesecond sub-pattern 320 in width and height are incorporated in theabove-described width and height ratios in the touch panel.

Thereafter, in the step (ST30) of forming the electrode material 215,the electrode material 215 is formed on the resin layer 300. In otherwords, the electrode material 215 may be coated and deposited on the topsurface and/or the lateral side of the first and second sub-patterns 310and 320 formed on the resin layer.

The electrode material 215 may be include at least one selected from thegroup consisting of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn),zinc (Zn), gold (Au), silver (Ag) and the alloy thereof.

Thereafter, in the step (ST40) of performing the etching process, theelectrode material 215 is partially etched on the resin layer 300.

A difference is made in an etching rate depending on the structure ofthe first and second sub-patterns 310 and 320 formed on the resin layer300 and the contact area with the electrode material 215. In otherwords, since the contact area between the first sub-pattern 310 and theelectrode material 215 is wider than the contact area between the secondsub-pattern 320 and the electrode material 215, the etching for theelectrode material 215 formed on the first sub-pattern 310 may be lessperformed. In other words, as the etching process is performed at thesame etching rate, the electrode material 215 remains on the firstsub-pattern 310, and the electrode material 215 is etched and removedfrom the upper portion of the second sub-pattern 320. Therefore,referring to FIGS. 8 and 12, a transparent electrode may be formed onlyon the first sub-pattern 310. The transparent electrode may be formed inthe mesh shape which is the same as that of the first sub-pattern 310.

As described above, according to the touch panel and the method offabricating the touch panel of the embodiment, in order to realize thetransparent electrode having a fine line width, in detail, the fine linewidth of about 500 nm to about 3 μm, the ratio of the first sub-patternhaving the transparent electrode material deposited thereon to thesecond sub-pattern formed between the first sub-patterns in width andheight is limited into a predetermined range.

In other words, when the ratio of the first sub-pattern to the secondsub-pattern in width and height is limited into a predetermined range,so that the transparent electrode having the fine line width of about 3μm or less is realized, the transparent electrode material can remainonly on the first sub-pattern, and be completely removed from the secondsub-pattern in the etching process.

Therefore, since the transparent electrode can be realized with the fineline width of about 3 μm or less in the touch panel according to theembodiment, the transmittance and the visibility can be improved. Inaddition, according to the method of fabricating the touch panel of theembodiment, the touch panel having the above effect can be fabricated.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, an electrode member according toanother embodiment includes a substrate 100, a sensing electrode 200,and a wire electrode 500.

The substrate 100 may include plastic or glass. In addition, thesubstrate 100 includes an active area AA, in which the position of theinput device (e.g., finger) is sensed, and an unactive area UA providedaround the active area AA.

In this case, the sensing electrode 200 may be formed in the active areaAA to sense the input device. In addition, the wire electrode 500 may beflanged in the unactive area UA to electrically connect the sensingelectrode 200. Further, an external circuit connected with the wireelectrode 500 may be located in the unactive area UA. In addition, aprinting layer (not shown) may be formed in the unactive area UA, and alogo or a command icon pattern part may be formed in the printing layer.

If the input device such as the finger is touched on the above touchpanel, the variation of a capacitance occurs in the touched part of theinput device on the touch panel. The part of the touch panel, in whichthe variation of the capacitance occurs, may be detected a touch point.

The sensing electrode 200 is formed on the active area AA of thesubstrate 100. The sensing electrode 200 may sense the touch of theinput device such as the finger.

Referring to FIG. 13, the sensing electrode 200 includes a first sensingelectrode 210 and a second sensing electrode 220.

The first sensing electrode 210 includes a plurality of first sensorparts 210 a to sense the touch of the input device such as the fingerand a first connection electrode part 210 b to connect the first sensorparts 210 a with each other. The first connection electrode part 210 bconnects the first sensor parts 210 a with each other in the firstdirection (X axis direction of drawings), so that the first sensingelectrode 210 may extend in the first direction.

Similarly, the second sensing electrode 220 includes a plurality ofsecond sensor parts 220 a to sense the touch of the input device such asa finger and a second connection electrode part 220 b connecting thesecond sensor parts 220 a with each other. The second connectionelectrode part 220 b connects the second sensor parts 220 a in thesecond direction (Y-axis direction in drawings) crossing the firstdirection, so that the second sensing electrode 220 may extend in thesecond direction.

An insulating layer 230 may be interposed between the first connectionelectrode part 210 b and the second connection electrode part 220 b toinhibit electric short between the first and second connection electrodeparts 210 b and 220 b. The insulating layer 230 may include atransparent insulating material to insulate the first sensing electrode210 from the second sensing electrode 220.

Meanwhile, the first sensing electrode 210 is provided in the shape of amesh. In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 includes the meshopening part OA and the mesh line part LA. In this case, the line widthof the mesh line part LA may be about 3 μm or less. Preferably, when theline width of the mesh line part LA is 3 μm or less, the pattern of thesensing electrode 200 may not be viewed. Preferably, the line width ofthe mesh line part LA may be in the range of 500 nm to 3 μm.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the mesh opening part OA may have arectangular shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In otherwords, the mesh opening part OA may have various shapes such as adiamond shape, a polygonal shape such as a pentagonal shape or ahexagonal shape, and a circular shape.

The sensing electrode 200 is provided in the mesh shape, so that thepattern of the sensing electrode 200 is not viewed when viewed on theactive area AA. In other words, even if the sensing electrode 200 isformed of metal, the pattern of the sensing electrode 200 may be notviewed. In addition, even if the sensing electrode 200 is applied to alarge-size touch panel, the resistance of the touch panel may bereduced. In addition, when the sensing electrode 200 is formed through aprinting process, the printing quality is improved, so that thehigh-quality touch panel can be ensured.

The wire electrode 500 is formed on the unactive area UA of thesubstrate 100. The wire electrode 500 is electrically connected with thesensing electrode 200. Meanwhile, a wire electrode connection part 350may be further interposed between the wire electrode 500 and the sensingelectrode 200. The wire electrode 500 transmits a touch sensing signalsensed by the sensing electrode 200 to a flexible printing circuit board(FPCB). In other words, the wire electrode 500 transmits the touchsensing signal sensed by the sensing electrode 200 to a connector (notshown) mounted on the FPCB.

Hereinafter, the sensing electrode 200 and the wire electrode 500 willbe described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

Referring to FIG. 14, a wire electrode part of a wire electrode memberincludes the substrate 100, a resin layer 400 formed on the substrate100, first and second patterns 410 and 420 formed on the resin layer400, and the wire electrode 500 formed on the first pattern 410.

The wire electrode 500 is formed on the unactive area UA of thesubstrate 100. After forming the resin layer 400 on the unactive areaUA, the first and second patterns 410 and 420 may be formed through animprinting process. The resin layer 400 may include UV resin orthermo-setting resin.

The wire electrode material may be coated on the first pattern 410 toform the wire electrode 500.

The width of the first pattern 410 may be different from the width ofthe second pattern 420. In detail, the width of the first pattern 410may be greater than the width of the second pattern 420. For example,the width of the first pattern 410 may be several μm, and the width ofthe second pattern 420 may be several μm.

The width and the height of the first pattern 410 may be formed atpredetermined ratios with respect to the width and the height of thesecond pattern 420, respectively.

In detail, the ratio of the width of the first pattern 410 to the widthof the second pattern 420 may be in the range of about 1:0.01 to about1:0.5.

In addition, the ratio of the width of the first pattern 410 to theheight of the first pattern 410 may be in the range of about 1:0.1 toabout 1:1. Further, the ratio of the width of the first pattern 410 tothe width of the first pattern 410 may be in the range of about 0.1:1 toabout 1:1. In other words, as shown in FIG. 14, one sectional surface ofthe first pattern 410 may have a rectangular shape or a square shape.

In addition, the height of the first pattern 410 to the height of thesecond pattern 420 may be in the range of about 1:0.1 to about 1:0.9.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing the sensing electrode part of FIG.13. Referring to FIG. 15, the wire electrode part of the wire electrodemember includes the substrate 100, the resin layer 400 formed on thesubstrate 100, third and fourth patterns 430 and 440 formed on the resinlayer 400, and the sensing electrode 200 formed on the third pattern430.

The sensing electrode 200 is formed on the unactive area UA of thesubstrate 100. After forming the resin layer 400 on the unactive areaUA, the third and fourth patterns 410 and 420 may be formed through animprinting process. The resin layer 400 may include UV resin orthermo-setting resin.

A sensing electrode material may be coated on the third pattern 430 toform the sensing electrode 200.

The width of the third pattern 430 may be different from the width ofthe fourth pattern 440. In detail, the width of the third pattern 430may be wider than the width of the fourth pattern 440. For example, thewidth of the third pattern 430 may be several μm, and the width of thefourth pattern 440 may be several nm.

The width and the height of the third pattern 430 may be formed atpredetermined ratios with respect to the width and the height of thefourth pattern 440, respectively.

In detail, the ratio of the width of the third pattern 430 to the widthof the fourth pattern 440 may be in the range of about 1:0.01 to about1:0.5.

In addition, the ratio of the width of the third pattern 430 to theheight of the fourth pattern 440 may be in the range of about 1:0.1 toabout 1:1. Further, the ratio of the width of the third pattern 430 tothe height of the fourth pattern 440 may be in the range of about 0.1:1to about 1:1. In other words, as shown in FIG. 15, one sectional surfaceof the third pattern 430 may have a rectangular shape or a square shape.

In addition, the ratio of the height of the third pattern 430 to theheight of the fourth pattern 440 may be in the range of about 1:0.1 toabout 1:0.9.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the sensing electrode part and thewire electrode part of FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 16, the sensingelectrode 200 is formed in the active area AA of the substrate 100, andthe wire electrode 500 is formed in the unactive area UA of thesubstrate 100.

In detail, the first and second patterns 410 and 420 are formed in theunactive area UA, and the third and fourth patterns 430 and 440 areformed in the active area AA. The second pattern 420 is formed betweenthe first patterns 410. In addition, the fourth pattern 440 is formedbetween the third patterns 430.

As described above, the width may be greater than that of the firstpattern 410, and the width of the third pattern 430 may be much greaterthan that of the fourth pattern 440. In addition, the widths of thefirst and third patterns 410 and 430 may be several μm. The widths ofthe second and fourth patterns 420 and 440 may be several nm.

The second and fourth patterns 420 and 440 may be simultaneously formed.In addition, the second and fourth patterns 420 and 440 may have thesame width.

An electrode material may be deposited on the first and third patterns410 and 430. In detail, a wire electrode material 300′ may be depositedon the first pattern 410, and a sensing electrode material 210 may bedeposited on the third pattern 430. The wire electrode material and thesensing electrode material may include at least one selected from thegroup consisting of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn),zinc (Zn), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and the alloy thereof. In detail, thewire electrode material and the sensing electrode material may includethe same metal material.

In addition, in the electrode member according to the embodiment, aplurality of patterns are formed between the sensing electrode patternand the wire electrode pattern while representing the width narrowerthan the width of the sensing electrode pattern or the wire electrodepattern. Therefore, after depositing the same electrode material on thesensing electrode pattern and the wire electrode pattern, an etchingprocess is performed at a time, thereby simplifying the processes offorming the wire electrode and the sensing electrode.

According to the related art, after sequentially depositing the sensingelectrode material and the wire electrode material on the substrate, thephotoresist process, in detail, exposure, development, and etchingprocesses are formed to form the wire electrode pattern area and thesensing electrode pattern area, respectively. Therefore, as the numberof processes is increased, the process efficiency may be lowered.

Therefore, in the electrode member according to the embodiment, afterforming the first to fourth patterns on the substrate through theimprinting process, the same electrode material is deposited on thefirst and third patterns and an etching process is performed withrespect to the resultant structure at a time, so that the sensingelectrode pattern and the wire electrode pattern can be formed.

Accordingly, in the electrode member according to the embodiment, anano-pattern is formed even in a part in which the wire electrode isformed, thereby fabricating the sensing electrode pattern and the wireelectrode pattern including the same electrode material.

Hereinafter, a method of fabricating the touch panel according to theembodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 24. Althoughonly the wire electrode is shown in FIGS. 17 to 24, a method offabricating the sensing electrode is incorporated in the method offorming the wire electrode.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show the cases that an embossed mold is used, and FIGS.21 to 24 show the cases that an intaglio mold is used.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 21, after forming the resin layer 400 on thesubstrate 100, an embossed mold 510 or an intaglio mold 520 is prepared.

Thereafter, referring to FIGS. 18 and 22, the embossed mold 510 or theintaglio mold 520 may be used. In detail, after forming the resin layer400, the resin layer 400 is imprinted by using the embossed mold 510 orthe intaglio mold 520, so that the first and second patterns 410 and 420may be formed.

In other words, when the first and second patterns 410 and 420 areformed in an intaglio shape, the first and second patterns 410 and 420having the intaglio shape are formed on the resin layer 400 by using theembossed mold 510 corresponding to the intaglio shape. When the firstand second patterns 410 and 420 are formed in an embossed shape, thefirst and second patterns 410 and 420 having the embossed shape may beformed on the resin layer 400 by using the intaglio mold 520corresponding to the embossed shape. In this case, the resin layer 400may include UV resin or thermosetting resin.

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 23, an electrode material 410 iscoated on the top surface and/or the lateral side of the first pattern410 and the second pattern 420 formed on the resin layer to deposit theelectrode material 300′. The electrode material 300′ may include atleast one selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), aluminum(Al), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and thealloy thereof.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, the electrode material formedon the resin layer is partially etched.

A difference is made in an etching rate depending on the structure ofthe first and second patterns 410 and 420 formed on the resin layer 400and the contact area with the electrode material 300′. In other words,since the contact area between the first pattern 410 and the electrodematerial 300′ is wider than the contact area between the second pattern420 and the electrode material 300′, the etching for the electrodematerial 300′ formed on the first pattern 410 may be less performed. Inother words, as the etching process is performed at the same etchingrate, the electrode material 300′ remains on the first sub-pattern 410,and the electrode material 300′ is etched and removed from the upperportion of the second pattern 420. Therefore, referring to FIGS. 20 and24, the wire electrode 500 may be formed only on the first pattern 410.

The above-described electrode member according to the embodiment may beapplied to a touch panel shown in FIG. 25. Although FIG. 25 shows thetouch panel or a mobile terminal, the embodiment is not limited thereto,but the electrode member according to the embodiment may be applied tovarious display devices of home appliance, such as a lap-top computer, aTV, and a washing machine, and a vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 25, a touch panel 700 according to the embodiment mayinclude a cover window including an active area AA and an unactive areaUA, a command icon pattern part 710, a camera 720, and a speaker 720.

The touch panel according to the first embodiment may include theabove-described electrode member. In detail, the touch panel accordingto the embodiment includes a cover window and an electrode member formedon the cover window. The electrode member includes a substrate includingan active area and an unactive area, first and second patterns formed onthe unactive area, and a first electrode formed on the first pattern.The width of the first pattern may be greater than the width of thesecond pattern.

In addition, the electrode member further includes third and fourthpatterns formed on the active area, and a second electrode formed on thethird pattern. The width of the third pattern may be wider than thewidth of the fourth pattern.

In this case, the first and second electrodes may include the same metalmaterial.

The touch panel according to the second embodiment includes a coverwindow including an active area and an unactive area, a wire electrodepattern formed on the unactive area, and a sensing electrode patternformed on the active area. The wire electrode pattern includes first andsecond patterns, the sensing electrode pattern includes third and fourthpatterns, and the width of the first pattern may be greater than that ofthe second pattern. In other words, in the touch panel according to theembodiment, the sensing electrode pattern and the wire electrode patternmay be directly formed on the cover window.

In this case, the sensing electrode pattern and the wire electrodepattern may include the same metal material.

The touch panel according to the first and second embodiments mayinclude an electrode member described above. Therefore, when forming thesensing electrode and the wire electrode, the process efficiency can beimproved, and the fabricating cost can be reduced.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, orcharacteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touch panel comprising: a substrate comprisingan active area and an unactive area; an electrode part on the activearea of the substrate; a wire on the unactive area of the substrate toelectrically connect to the electrode part; and a wire connection partprovided between the wire and the electrode part, wherein the electrodepart comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein thefirst electrode comprises a plurality of first sensor parts and a firstconnection electrode part to connect the first sensor parts with eachother in a first direction, wherein the second electrode comprises aplurality of second sensor parts and a second connection electrode partto connect the second sensor parts with each other in a second directioncrossing the first direction, wherein an insulating layer is interposedbetween the first connection electrode part and the second connectionelectrode part, wherein the electrode part is provided in a mesh shape,wherein each of the first sensor parts, the first connection electrodepart, the second sensor parts, and the second connection electrode partcomprises a plurality of mesh openings and a plurality of mesh lines;wherein a width of each mesh line is in a range of 500 nm to 3 μm,wherein the electrode part comprises an electrode material, wherein theelectrode material comprises aluminum (Al), and wherein the wireconnection part electrically contacts the plurality of mesh lines of afirst sensor part of the plurality of first sensor parts.
 2. A touchpanel comprising: an electrode member; a cover window on the electrodemember; and a dummy layer interposed between the electrode member andthe cover window, wherein the electrode member comprises: a substratecomprising an active area and an unactive area; an electrode part on theactive area of the substrate; a wire on the unactive area of thesubstrate to electrically connect to the electrode part; and a wireconnection part provided between the wire and the electrode part,wherein the electrode part comprises a first electrode and a secondelectrode, wherein the first electrode comprises a plurality of firstsensor parts and a first connection electrode part to connect the firstsensor parts with each other in a first direction, wherein the secondelectrode comprises a plurality of second sensor parts and a secondconnection electrode part to connect the second sensor parts with eachother in a second direction crossing the first direction, wherein aninsulating layer is interposed between the first connection electrodepart and the second connection electrode part, wherein the electrodepart is provided in a mesh shape, wherein each of the first sensorparts, the first connection electrode part, the second sensor parts, andthe second connection electrode part comprises a plurality of meshopenings and a plurality of mesh lines; wherein a width of each meshline is in a range of 500 nm to 3 μm, wherein the electrode partcomprises an electrode material, wherein the electrode materialcomprises aluminum (Al), and wherein the wire connection partelectrically contacts the plurality of mesh lines of a first sensor partof the plurality of first sensor parts.
 3. The touch panel of claim 1,wherein the electrode material further comprises at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), zinc(Zn), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and any alloys thereof.
 4. The touch panelof claim 2, wherein the electrode material further comprises at leastone selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), tin(Sn), zinc (Zn), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and any alloys thereof.
 5. Thetouch panel of claim 1, wherein the material of the first sensor parts,the first connection electrode part, the second sensor parts, and thesecond connection electrode part is the same as that of the wire and thewire connection part.
 6. The touch panel of claim 2, wherein thematerial of the first sensor parts, the first connection electrode part,the second sensor parts, and the second connection electrode part is thesame as that of the wire and the wire connection part
 7. The touch panelof claim 2, wherein the electrode part comprises a resin layer.
 8. Thetouch panel of claim 7, wherein the electrode material is on the resinlayer.
 9. The touch panel of claim 7, wherein the resin layer comprisesUV resin or thermo-setting resin.
 10. The touch panel of claim 7,wherein the resin layer is disposed on the active area and the unactivearea of the substrate.
 11. The touch panel of claim 1, wherein the wireconnection part electrically contacts the plurality of mesh lines of thesecond sensor parts.
 12. The touch panel of claim 2, wherein the wireconnection part electrically contacts the plurality of mesh lines of thesecond sensor parts.
 13. The touch panel of claim 1, wherein a width ofthe wire connection part is wider than the width of each mesh line ofthe first sensor parts, the first connection electrode part, the secondsensor parts, and the second connection electrode part.
 14. The touchpanel of claim 2, wherein a width of the wire connection part is widerthan the width of each mesh line of the first sensor parts, the firstconnection electrode part, the second sensor parts, and the secondconnection electrode part.
 15. The touch panel of claim 2, wherein theplurality of mesh lines of the first connection electrode part and theplurality of mesh lines of the second connection electrode part eachcomprises a plurality of first sub mesh lines spaced apart from eachother in a third direction and a plurality of second sub mesh linesspaced apart from each other in a fourth direction different from thethird direction, wherein the first connection electrode part furthercomprises a plurality of first connection points where first sub meshlines of the plurality of first sub mesh lines of the first connectionelectrode part intersect with second sub mesh lines of the plurality ofsecond sub mesh lines of the first connection electrode part, whereineach first sub mesh line of the first connection electrode part extendsbeyond each second sub mesh line with which it shares a first connectionpoint such that a length of each first sub mesh line of the firstconnection electrode part is longer than a distance between twooutermost first connection points of that first sub mesh line, whereinthe second connection electrode part further comprises a plurality ofsecond connection points where first sub mesh lines of the plurality offirst sub mesh lines of the second connection electrode part intersectwith second sub mesh lines of the plurality of second sub mesh lines ofthe second connection electrode part, wherein each first sub mesh lineof the second connection electrode part extends beyond each second submesh line with which it shares a second connection point such that alength of each first sub mesh line of the second connection electrodepart is longer than a distance between two outermost second connectionpoints of that first sub mesh line.
 16. A touch panel comprising: anelectrode member; and a cover window on the electrode member, whereinthe electrode member comprises: a substrate comprising an active areaand an unactive area; an electrode part on the active area of thesubstrate; a wire on the unactive area of the substrate to electricallyconnect to the electrode part; and a wire connection part providedbetween the wire and the electrode part, wherein the electrode partcomprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the firstelectrode comprises a plurality of first sensor parts and a firstconnection electrode part to connect the first sensor parts with eachother in a first direction, wherein the second electrode comprises aplurality of second sensor parts and a second connection electrode partto connect the second sensor parts with each other in a second directioncrossing the first direction, wherein an insulating layer is interposedbetween the first connection electrode part and the second connectionelectrode part, wherein the electrode part is provided in a mesh shape,wherein each of the first sensor parts, the first connection electrodepart, the second sensor parts, and the second connection electrode partcomprises a plurality of mesh openings and a plurality of mesh lines;wherein a width of each mesh line is in a range of 500 nm to 3 μm,wherein the electrode part comprises an electrode material, wherein theelectrode material comprises aluminum (Al), wherein the wire connectionpart electrically contacts the plurality of mesh lines of a first sensorpart of the plurality of first sensor parts, wherein the plurality ofmesh lines of each of the first sensor parts and the first connectionelectrode part are on the insulating layer.
 17. The touch panel of claim16, wherein the material of the first sensor parts, the first connectionelectrode part, the second sensor parts, and the second connectionelectrode part is the same as that of the wire and the wire connectionpart.
 18. The touch panel of claim 16, wherein the wire connection partelectrically contacts the plurality mesh lines of the second sensorparts.
 19. The touch panel of claim 16, wherein a width of the wireconnection part is wider than the width of each mesh line of the firstsensor parts, the first connection electrode part, the second sensorparts, and the second connection electrode part.
 20. The touch panel ofclaim 16, wherein the plurality of mesh lines of the first connectionelectrode part and the plurality of mesh lines of the second connectionelectrode part each comprises a plurality of first sub mesh lines spacedapart from each other in a third direction and a plurality of second submesh lines spaced apart from each other in a fourth direction differentfrom the third direction, wherein the first connection electrode partfurther comprises a plurality of first connection points where first submesh lines of the plurality of first sub mesh lines of the firstconnection electrode part intersect with second sub mesh lines of theplurality of second sub mesh lines of the first connection electrodepart, wherein each first sub mesh line of the first connection electrodepart extends beyond each second sub mesh line with which it shares afirst connection point such that a length of each first sub mesh line ofthe first connection electrode part is longer than a distance betweentwo outermost first connection points of that first sub mesh line,wherein the second connection electrode part further comprises aplurality of second connection points where first sub mesh lines of theplurality of first sub mesh lines of the second connection electrodepart intersect with second sub mesh lines of the plurality of second submesh lines of the second connection electrode part, wherein each firstsub mesh line of the second connection electrode part extends beyondeach second sub mesh line with which it shares a second connection pointsuch that a length of each first sub mesh line of the second connectionelectrode part is longer than a distance between two outermost secondconnection points of that first sub mesh line.